User manual

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Write newly configured parameter values to

non-volatile (long-term) storage. Otherwise,

they will only last until the module loses

power.

Exit command mode now. (If you don't send

any commands to the module for a few

seconds, command mode will timeout and exit

even without a CN command.)

API mode

As an alternative to Transparent Operation, API (Application Programming Interface) Operations

are available. API operation requires that communication with the module be done through a

structured interface (data is communicated in frames in a defined order). The API specifies how

commands, command responses and module status messages are sent and received from the

module using a UART Data Frame.

Read the manual if you are going to use the API mode.

Jumper setting

The XBee shield has two jumpers (the small removable plastic sleeves that each fit onto two of

the three pins labelled Xbee/USB). These determine how the XBee's serial communication

connects to the serial communication between the microcontroller (ATmega8 or ATmega168) and

FTDI USB-to-serial chip on the SainSmart board.

With the jumpers in the XBee position (i.e. on the two pins towards the interior of the board),

the DOUT pin of the XBee module is connected to the RX pin of the microcontroller; and DIN is

connected to TX. Note that the RX and TX pins of the microcontroller are still connected to the TX

and RX pins (respectively) of the FTDI chip - data sent from the microcontroller will be

transmitted to the computer via USB as well as being sent wirelessly by the XBee module. The

microcontroller, however, will only be able to receive data from the XBee module, not over USB

from the computer.

With the jumpers in the USB position (i.e. on the two pins nearest the edge of the board), the

DOUT pin the XBee module is connected to the RX pin of the FTDI chip, and DIN on the XBee

module is connected to the TX pin of the FTDI chip. This means that the XBee module can

communicate directly with the computer - however, this only works if the microcontroller has

been removed from the SainSmart board. If the microcontroller is left in the SainSmart board, it

will be able to talk to the computer normally via USB, but neither the computer nor the

microcontroller will be able to talk to the XBee module.

Using Series 2 ZB XBee’s

Series 2 XBee's (ZigBee protocol) are quite different to 802.15.4 ones.

ZigBee networks are called personal area networks or PANs. Each network is defined with a

unique PAN identifier (PAN ID). XBee ZB supports both a 64-bit (extended) PAN ID and a 16-bit

PAN ID.